Selecting a cabin

On many ships you will be presented with a confusing list of cabin types and indeed cabins are not all alike. Depending on the ship, they range from small spaces without windows to large suites with balconies and prices to match. Prices depend on the type, size and facilities of the cabin and its location. Our Ship Details page will tell you how many cabins there are in the four main types along with a general comment about the cabins. Clicking the button next to Cabin Details will open a page that will show you all the cabin types on that ship with sizes and facilities. Some factors to consider in making your selection:

Cabin Availability
Your travel agent will find out for you what cabins are available, often specific cabin numbers. Some lines will only let you book a grade of cabin with allocation of the cabin number when the tickets are issued or on embarkation. The same lines may allow you to choose a specific cabin number at additional cost. Guaranteed cabin bookings are often offered by the cruise lines at special rates or as promotional offers in order to give them flexibility in selling capacity on the ship. It works as follows:

• Cabins are usually offered as Guaranteed Inside or Guaranteed Outside at specified grades
• Location and cabin number will be allocated by cruise line on the issue of your tickets or even as late as when you check in at the port.
• You are guaranteed to get the specified grade of cabin as a minimum.
• Occasionally cabins of a higher grade will be allocated at no extra cost.
• No changes to your booking are allowed once a cabin on guarantee basis has been confirmed.

Cabin Type
The majority of cabins are Double or Twin and many of these will have a sofabed or fold down berths for one or two additional passengers. Single cabins are available on the older boats but newer ships rarely provide dedicated cabins for singles. There are four main types of cabin available as twins or singles-

• Inside - no window or natural light. These are usually the lowest priced. However some of the new 100,000 ton ships have interior cabins with windows overlooking an inside promenade area.
• Outside View with a porthole or picture window. Because most people like natural light, outside cabins are popular and cost more. Note that windows do not normally open and some have views obstructed by lifeboats or other equipment.
• Outside with Balcony - full or half length glass doors lead on to an outside balcony. Most are big enough for two chairs and maybe a small table but not much more. Note that these are mainly a feature of the newer ships on the higher decks.
• Suites are the most spacious and luxurious accommodation onboard and may come with a butler service. They should have separate living and bedroom areas preferably with a door between and usually have a large balcony but not always.

Size

• Cabins are compact hotel rooms with much the same facilities.
• Modern ships are built using standard cabin modules with integrated bathrooms - the majority of cabins have sizes averaging from 150 to 185 sqft - 180sqft is comfortable, 150 sqft is just acceptable, below that is compact, above 200sqft is spacious.
• On some budget ships cabin sizes can go below 100sqft which is very tight
• Suites can go as large as 3000 sqft but average about 400 to 500sqft - Junior Suites average 250 to 300 sqft.
• Bathrooms are usually pretty small.
• Choose the biggest cabin you can afford If you plan to spend a lot of time there, but if you plan to party all day and night, save money and go for a smaller one.

Location

• Location does determine the price you pay - the higher the deck the higher the price.
• Superior cabins and suites tend to be on the higher decks and standard cabins lower down.
• If you are a family consider interconnecting cabins or an outside cabin with inside cabin across the corridor.
• Cabins in the centre of the ship on the lower decks are best if you might suffer from seasickness.
• Avoid cabins near noisy locations such as the disco and show lounge.
• Cabins at the stern are more likely to experience engine vibration.

Facilities
Your cabin will have most of the following (check our Cabin Details page):

• Small private bathroom with shower, wash basin and toilet.
• An international shaver socket, towels, soap and shampoos are normally provided.
• Modern ships have twin beds, which can usually be converted into a queen-sized bed. Older ships may have fixed twin beds, double bed or even upper and lower berths.
• Some cabins will have one or two additional pullman berths that are often stored in the ceiling during the day - for a family or friends who don't mind living at close quarters.
• Telephone, radio and TV with satellite or recorded channels.
• Vanity/desk unit and chair
• Wardrobe and drawer space, bedside drawers.

Your cabin may have:

• A bath - more likely in higher grade cabins and on British boats.
• Hairdryer in the bathroom or cabin.
• VCR or DVD player.
• A sitting area with sofa or two chairs and a table.
• Refrigerator/Mini Bar, Personal Safe.
• Balcony equipped with two chairs or sunbeds and table.

Suites may also have: